What engine do you have? I have an extra manifold for a 288 or 327 engine.

Thanks for the kind words. It was really fun to do and something to take pride in. But like I said if you want to keep your car authentic, then this is not the way to go. The wood graining in the pictures was done 9 years ago and is still holding up well. Although it is not factory correct the taxi has received many national Packard awards and a 1st place senior award from AACA. If you decide to give it a try let us know how it comes out. Good luck

RUST-OLEUM Sand #7771

I agree that you may have a fuel delivery problem. Don't overlook the possibility of a pin hole rusted in the gas line.My 49 sedan made me crazy until I replaced the gas line.

Why not give the wood graining a try yourself? It is fairly easy to do and quite enjoyable. Unless you are looking for total original show car then you can have a lot of fun doing it. I did all of the wood graining on my 47 Clipper taxi and the results were good. First sand the pieces smooth then paint your base coat, after dry then do the grain. I used rubber base printers ink thinned with mineral spirits. I tried several applicators and ended up using only Q tips to apply the grain effect. If you don't like your results then just wipe off the printers ink and start over. When you get the desired pattern then clear coat and sand and buff.

OK I agree that Packard built great engines. But don't underestimate the post war 6's used in the taxicabs. I have owned and maintained Packards with the 282, 288, 327, and 356 engines and they are all examples of quality workmanship. I thought that the Packard 6 cyl was (UGH) a inferior product until I purchased my taxi. The 245 six has proven to be as well built or maybe a little better built than the straight 8's of the same period. I have battened down the hatches and am ready for the bombardment from you 8 cyl guys, so fire away.

Engine timing is very important. My first National meet 475 miles from home our Deluxe 8 developed a overheating problem.I changed thermostats, had the radiator flushed, replaced belt, installed new cap and was ready to replace the head gasket when a old timer came by and told me to start the car and then asked for a screwdriver. He told me the timing was off and he reset it by ear. The car performed fine the rest of the week.
Good luck

Hi Dave, I changed my insurance over to Hagerty several years ago and got 4 cars insured for what my other company wanted for 3. I had a costly claim two years ago and Hagerty send a adjuster to inspect the damage and even tho the damage was done in a repair shop Hagerty covered all of the costs. I also like the fact that there are no mileage restrictions. They also have helped sponsor the Packard National Meets.
Happy hunting.
Did you get the message about the carb. # 644s ?

Wow! All I can say is that if Packard had built them like you are building yours, they would still be at the top of prestige ownership list. I am in the middle of a Packard modification project as well. My project is a 1950 Super Deluxe sedan that was buried up to the windows in a creek bed. So far I have shaved all the chrome, handles,removed the vent windows, and chopped the top 3 inches. It has a Pontiac front sub frame with a super duty 455 engine. It is tubbed and has a 9 inch Ford rear end. It is being disassembled now for paint. The local Packard guys really blasted me and my reply was if they wanted to give me what I paid for the car, then they could do what ever they wanted to with it. I had no takers. Best of luck with your project. Like the others keep the pictures coming.